Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) 2019 Competition Season

Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) 2019 Competition Season

Competition Scenario

You have just been hired as the network and security administrators at a small company and will be taking administrative control of all information systems. You know very little about the network, what security level has been maintained, or what software has been installed. You have a limited time frame to familiarize yourself with the network and systems and to begin the security updates and patches before the red team starts actively attacking your company. In the midst of all the commotion, you have to keep up with the needs of the business and user demands while maintaining service level agreements for all critical Internet services.

These competitions focus on the operational aspect of managing and protecting an existing “commercial” network infrastructure. Not only do students get a chance to test their knowledge in an operational environment, they will also get a chance to network with industry professionals who are always on the lookout for up and coming engineers. The Midwest CCDC provides a unique opportunity for students and industry professionals to interact and discuss many of the security and operational challenges the students will soon face as they enter the job market. Unlike traditional “hack and defend” or “capture the flag” contests, this competition tests each team’s ability to operate, secure, manage, and maintain a corporate network. This competition is the first to create, as closely as possible, a realistic corporate administration and security experience – giving the competitors a chance to compare their education and training against their peers and the real world challenges that await them. The Midwest Regional CCDC is managed by the National Resource Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA). For information on state operating entities click on your corresponding state to your right.

About the Midwest 2019 Competition Season

  • School Teams must first participate at the State Level.
  • Second place teams are eligible to compete in the Wildcard CCDC.
  • State CCDC winners and Wildcard teams are eligible to compete in the 2019 Midwest Regional CCDC at Moraine Valley Community College March 15-16, 2019.
  • The Midwest Regional CCDC winner will be competing at the National CCDC April 23-55, 2019.

Midwest Teams Prepare for Qualifying State CCDC

For the 2019 competition season, a record number of Midwest teams are anticipated. Over forty teams are expected to engage in a qualifying state CCDC event.

The schedule thus far for qualification State CCDC is as follows:
February 2, 2019 – Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Winsconsin
February 9, 2019 – Minnesota
February 16, 2019 – Illinois
February 16, 2019 – Michigan
March 2, 2019 – Midwest Wildcard CCDC
Other dates will be posted as registrations are completed.
All second place teams in their respective state qualification CCDC will have opportunity to compete in the Wildcard CCDC.  Top winners of each state CCDC and the Wildcard CCDC will be eligible to move on the the Erich J. Spenger Midwest Regional CCDC, March 15-16, 2019 at Moraine Valley Community College.
CSSIA assists students in preparing for these events by offering access to a remotely accessible stadia, powered by NETLAB+ VE, to practice in a competitive environment. Applicants are also offered opportunity to access Security + labs specifically designed to train students in skills required to successfully compete in the CCDC. The labs may be procured at CSSIA Resources.